BBO BLOGS

Most websites solutions give the client the ability to maintain and update their website content using an editor. This can sound appealing to clients who wish to save money by taking a DIY approach to developing their website. We originally decided to purchase a template website under the understanding that we could use the editor to brand and customise it ourselves. We saved money on the initial purchase but learning how to use the internal editor took considerably longer than we expected and the end result still looked unprofessional. When we approached developers to try to "fix" up the site we were told it would be cheaper to start from scratch. This is what we eventually had to do which caused us to pay twice for our site. The key lessons I would like to pass onto other people considering a DIY approach to developing their site are:
1.    It is never as easy as it sounds.
2.    Have a professional web designer/developer to set up your templates, styles, images and overall design first.
3.    Limit your DIY work to text (not graphics, design or layout).
4.    Know what you can and can't do when editing your site, to avoid making a mess of the underlying code.
5.    Be conscious of the need for a credible looking site, particularly if you are expecting people to make on-line purchases.
6.    Put a value on your time. Attempting to design your site using an included editor can be terribly time consuming and frustrating while you are learning how to do it. (Note: professional web developers use more advanced design and development tools such as Dreamweaver)
7.     In conclusion, I am very sceptical of any small busienss owner who has achieved their objectives via a DIY approach to their website development.

All this being said, I am only sharing my personal experience, I am therefore keen to hear your opinion so please post a comment.